A "moving" company charges for the quantity of space it takes on a truck, the distance it travels, and the number of load/unload jobs, plus for any storage.
That extra unload and reload for storage will drive up the total cost.
There are places like Pods that drop of a container, you load it, and they take it away. When you want the stuff, they bring it to you. Storage is usually less expensive, and no second pair of load/unload fees. You can hire people to load it, and unload it for you if you want.
A few things to be aware of with a moving company.
Anything they load could go in the truck in any orientation. Including upside down. Liquids leak. Box lids could open up or fall off, dumping your stuff all over (loss not covered for that happening). Fragile items packed securely in a box may not be secure when on the side or flipped over, and break.
If you by insurance, it usually doesn't cover things that break inside your boxes.
When you shake a box, nothing should be heard moving around. Use clothing as filler and padding.
Number every box. Don't repeat numbers. Make a list of what is in them. Photograph inside of every box.
When they finally deliver your stuff, do not sign anything until you verify every box/item has actually been delivered. If you sign, and something is missing, too bad for you.
Inspect everything as it comes into the house for damage. Photograph it. Note it on the delivery paperwork before you sign. Consider adding the words "pressured to sign, but only acknowledge that a delivery happened. inspection not complete. inventory not completed. possible missing or damaged items TBD. no liability released."
Find some unique pattern/color/marked sealing tape to use. Something that will show if it has been cut open. Inspect for boxes opened and re-taped.
Any furniture, speakers, tables, chairs, etc (if you have any) should get wrapped in moving blankets, secured with packing tape.
Movers have a long list of taboo items like batteries, aerosols, flammables, weapons, etc. If an aerosol pops off and damages someone else's stuff, you pay for damages.
Do not ship anything of value.
They could split your shipment into two trucks. They may not arrive together. One crew might blame the other crew for missing or damaged things.
Get several estimates. In many markets, several different named companies are owned by the same main company. Those estimates will be almost the same. Get others.
Pick up and delivery dates can change.
If you can use identical size boxes, they ship better and tighter. Mention that for a discount.
Don't make boxes too heavy.
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